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Saturday, December 31, 2011

Reflections and Dreams

Hold fast to dreams

For if dreams die

Life is a broken-winged bird

That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams

For when dreams go

Life is a barren field

Frozen with snow.

- Langston Hughes

I’m in a good place. Having several days with no family obligations, school, work, and afterschool activities has given me time to relax and write.When I do a big bout of writing after barely writing, it’s like I’ve finally inhaled a big gulp of air after holding my breath too long.How did I live?

I’m a good frame of mind to reflect on the year.Instead of dwelling on the near misses, rejections, disappointments, and pity parties, I want focus on:

What was Good – 11 from 2011:

1. My children, my husband, and many other members of my family whom I’m close to are in good health.

2. When my husband and children have successes, they lift me the same as my own success.

3. I’m older and doughier, but I’m younger today than I will be in the future.

4. I like my new job as a professional aide, and although it’s not exactly what I want, it’s become more rewarding than I could’ve imagined.(I’ll write a post about it soon.)

5. Graduate school, which is expensive and a big commitment, but has been a better experience than I thought it would be.I received a 4.0 in my first class and I’m already a better teacher as a result.

6. I completed a manuscript, polished it up, and began querying.I sent out 4 more queries this week.I keep trying no matter the odds.

7. I’ve written 4 chapters of my WIP.I’m inspired to write regularly again so those next chapters will go faster.

8. I’ve had 3 short stories accepted this year. 2 are in published - 1 is coming out in 2012.

10. Many of my writing friends have had successes this year.Whether it’s an accepted short story or agent snag or book contract or contest win, they are all part of our journey.Just typing “the end” or sending a query is a step forward.

Theresa, I'm glad you're ending the year on a positive note and looking forward! Not that you have a reason to be negative, but like that cartoon at the top suggests, it's easy to get sucked into negativity at the end of the year. After all, it's the end, isn't it?

I admit to waking up depressed today, just knowing it's New Year's Eve. It's better to celebrate a beginning, isn't it? I'll try. Starting right this minute. :D

Theresa, I've read more than once that querying in the month of December is the kiss of death. Agents trash everything that they see because it's the month right after nano and they think people are just sending their crap from the wrimo fest. The best months to query begin in late January and on into the summer.

Hi Theresa .. how did you read all those books and do everything else - I'm popping over for a dose of your "pepmeup" .... congratulations on everything though .. and very good luck for 2012 .. you deserve much happiness ..

Happy New Year and am so pleased you've had some down time .. cheers Hilary

@ Old Kitty, your bright comments should've made my 2011 list. The short story for 2012 was supposed to come out in 2011, but it got delayed. But as long as it comes out at all, right?

@ Brent, thank you! I hope you have a lot to look forward to, too.

@ Dianne, I thought that picture on the top was funny. Don't we always resolve to be better people, yet always fall short?

It is the end of 2011 today, which is sad. But it's also got all that potential. Cheers to new beginnings.

@ Michael, I like all the titles you keep coming up with. You make me laugh.

I'm sure no agent looked at my query on the 29th or I would've had an e-rejection by now. I'm sure they'll reject it around 01/02 or 01/03. That WILL be in January.

And since I haven't sent any queries since September, I'm sure I won't rush to send any more.

@ Hilary, I listen to audiobooks in the car, read when I brush my teeth, and carry a book with me wherever I go. A lot of them are middle grade and YA books, which tend to go faster. But I decided if I was going to be a writer, I had to try to read as much as possible. Besides, it's a great escape, isn't it?

@ Christine, I think anything you do to improve your writing is almost as good as writing. I spent a few months just brushing up on grammar. It all works to make us better.

@ Susan, it was my most productive writing year yet, so I really want to push myself for 2012.

@ Carole, I'm glad I'm reaping the benefits of #5, especially because it's only been in the last year or two that I thought I'd need to get another Master's. I'm trying not to think about the big expense.

@ The Golden Eagle, thank you. I've been saving up all these pictures for the right post!

@ Sophia, I can't help myself! When I don't comment, I feel guilty. I was going to try Disquis to have my comments automatically send my comments via e-mail (instead of doing in manually) but I noticed people don't sign in with their blog info - just name and e-mail.

@ Kimberly, thank you. This was certainly my most productive writing year, since I finally have publication credits.

Sounds like a great year, Theresa!I, too, am absolutely loving my job as a teacher's aide. I love being in the same classroom every day and making a real difference. I do one day want my own full time classroom again, but if this paid better, I wouldn't mind doing this for the rest of my career!

you're right. 2011 was a very busy year in which many of us achieved a lot. It's good to sit back and reflect... And I really like that quote about reading the last chapter over and over. Good one! :o) <3

I wish you much success in 2012. You need a bigger audience to view your wonderful pieces.

@ Medeia, thanks. I wonder how many books you read in 2011. Way more than me, I'm sure!

@ Tara, it's so easy for me to focus on the negative. Since this year marked more writing successes than usual, I decided to see the upside instead of my goals (agent) where I keep falling short.

@ Liz, I've been saving these posters on my desktop waiting for the right opportunity.

@ Kelly, I know what you mean. The pay is lousy, but the rewards are many. Though from my years of experience, I know if you're not working with the right person it can be pretty demeaning and miserable. We have a lot less control over our jobs, so it's all about who is managing us.

@ LTM, we've got to move forward, right? It's a great quote for writers and all of us--how we look at our lives.

Wishing you all the best in 2012. Sounds like you can be thankful for many good things in 2011--I hope you have even more in 2012.I'm still getting by so I guess that's a good sign for the upcoming year.

Great post, Theresa, and great things to celebrate. That Langston Hughes poem is one of my favorites and I used to share it with my kids in the classroom when I was teaching. Actually, LH is one of my favorite poets in general. Good luck for all your new ventures in the coming year.

Happy new Year!I love the card. :)Congratulations on your accomplishments in 2011. (Holy cow 128 books! that is awesome)I can only foresee that 2012 will be just as busy for you! Nutschellwww.thewritingnut.com

Your accomplishments in 2011 are inspiring (especially the number of books you've read)! Here's to getting even more action on short stories and on your novels, too! And major congrats on grad school~ that's awesome :)

Excellent list, my friend! You know I'm pulling for you on the querying thang. And the fact that all are in great health. Christopher didn't have to have that surgery back in the summer. That made this gal very, very, very, very, very, happy!

I have started writing again. (I was so busy the last couple months I barely wrote a word.) I found 750words.com It has helped to motivate me. I love it.

Happy New Year Theresa!!! You definitely had an awesome 2011.. and I know 2012 will be even better.

It's been wonderful and inspiring sharing this journey with you :) I know exactly what you mean about returning to writing after a long bout of not doing it... here's hoping we both have some more time to do what we love best.

@ Alesa, it's nice to hear myself described as industrious. If I wrote my list of what I didn't do, it would look less industrious.

I hope you move on to bigger and better things this year.

@ Salarsen, you definitely have good goals. Good luck with them!

@ Aubrie, I do like my job better than daily subbing. I loved the extended term sub job, but the new job provides me with a consistent check.

I'm querying Naked Eye.

@ Elizabeth Varadan aka Mrs. Seraphina, Langston Hughes is one of my favorite poets, too. I read one of his poetry anthologies this year. My daughter reminded me of this poem when she came across it at school. She wrote it out for me and memorized it.

@ Robyn, I was relieved when Christopher didn't have to have surgery. That was a stressful time for you. I hope your life gets less hectic and you can find more time for writing. It's like breathing, right?

May 2012 bring you some cooperative and plentiful mojo!

You've been a great blogging and Facebook friend. I like talking to you about writing, knowing about what's going on in your life, and cheering you on. Your cheering has helped me. A LOT. Thank you.

About Me

I have several short pieces published in
anthologies and journals, such as Vine Leaves Literary Journal, Halcyon magazine,100 Stories for Queensland, 100 RPM,Fangtales, and From Stage Door Shadows. While my published works are for adults, I primarily write for children, and I'm active in the New England chapter of
SCBWI (Society for Book Writers and Illustrators).

I live in Arlington,
Massachusetts with my husband, two children, a dog-like cat, and a cat-like
dog. For my day job, I work as an aide in a public school, which gives me ample opportunity to observe teens and tweens in their natural habitat.